Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

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Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is the weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. This dish brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy Rotel-based sauce that delivers just the right amount of kick. It’s the kind of one-pot wonder that satisfies everyone at the table without fuss.

The juicy tomatoes and green chilies in the Rotel infuse the cheesy sauce with Tex-Mex flavor, while the ground beef makes it hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, reheats like a dream, and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta works best for this dish because it holds onto the creamy sauce in every bite. But if you have rigatoni, rotini, or elbow macaroni in the pantry, they all work just as well. The key is to choose a pasta shape with ridges or curves that can catch all that cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Ground Beef (85/15)
Adds a rich, meaty base to the dish.

Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies
Brings in a flavorful combo of diced tomatoes and subtle heat.

Cream Cheese
Adds velvety texture and slight tang to the sauce.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Penne Pasta
Classic choice for catching the creamy sauce in every bite.

Garlic & Onion Powder
Boosts savory depth quickly and easily.

Salt & Black Pepper
Simple seasoning to balance the richness.

Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley or Green Onions
Adds freshness and color contrast.

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How To Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Rotel

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Rotel (do not drain). Simmer for 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and incorporated. Then add shredded cheddar and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a smooth, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy beef and Rotel sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Rotel Pasta

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. The sauce is creamiest right after mixing with the pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

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What to Serve With Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef?

Garlic Texas Toast

Crispy, buttery slices to soak up all the cheesy sauce.

Side Salad with Ranch

A cool, creamy contrast to the spicy, rich pasta.

Sautéed Zucchini or Bell Peppers

Add color and lightness to balance the dish.

Mexican Street Corn

Corn with cotija, mayo, and lime pairs perfectly with the Rotel flavors.

Roasted Broccoli

Crisps up in the oven and adds a nice green crunch.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Great if you’re serving this as part of a Tex-Mex spread.

Sparkling Water with Lime or Lemonade

Light and refreshing to balance the hearty pasta.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you love easy pasta skillets like this one, try these hearty and creamy favorites next:

• Velveeta Taco Pasta Skillet with Beef & Beans
• Cheesy Chorizo Rotini in Chipotle Cream Sauce
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Rotel & Spinach
• Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese with Ground Turkey
• One-Pot Beefy Nacho Pasta Bake

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What did you add to make it your own—extra spice, a veggie twist, or a different cheese? Drop your tips in the comments!

Find even more simple comfort dishes at ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest — your home for weeknight magic.

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